Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains the Simulation Hypothesis

Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here (or are they?) to investigate if we're living in a simulation. We explore the ever-advancing computer power and how that impacts the simulation hypothesis. Chuck wonders if a simulation universe has anything to do with us not being able to travel at the speed of light. You'll learn about Bayesian statistics. Lastly, Neil tells us how he was ready to embrace the simulation hypothesis until he came across a certain idea that changed his mind.

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - The Simulation Hypothesis
3:39 - The argument that undermines the simulation hypothesis
5:49 - Are we interesting enough to be simulated?
7:22 - Does Neil think we're in a simulation?
7:39 - Outro

[mr.potatoman]

If we go faster than light we just see

LOADING TERRAIN...

[marcus_w]

This simulation currently needs an antivirus update...

[carteo]

4:45 the problem I have with this solution is that it doesnt factor in the possibility that there is more than one simulation running. What if complete simulations just become integrated into programming class and we're some random kid's final project. My point is, it's more likely for the chain of simulations to be a tree, with several branching paths, rather than a boring straight line.

[billymccall]

I love how excited Neil gets at the thought of a possible new theory at 1:46. He really does just have a huge passion for the unknown. And that’s what makes him a great scientist. He’s a brilliant man. But he’s also humble and understands just how little we know. But he approaches the new frontiers with wonder and excitement and logic.

[gabrieljordan]

"Maybe that's why we can't travel faster than the speed of light"
That one really blew my mind.

[ano_nymous]

1:37 I respect chuck for coming up with this one, that speed of light idea...

[MuffinMachine]

I have to come back and listen to this every year or two.

[tudormihai]

Imagine being able to come with something so unique it blow Neil's mind😳 that speed of light limit theory is wild

[mocto]

The Scientist watching over this simulation: *Hmmmm* interesting

[DudeStrong]

Imagine the creator of this simulation looking at this and laughing

[GaZaRockets]

Neil as much I can relate to this theory, one thing I think must be considered is that a simulation capable of simulating other realities, can also simulate a thousand different models of simulations. One of which could be at our stage of evolution. They could simulate different worlds, different eras, different lifeforms.

[engeric]

You are looking at a guy who has 21 honorary doctorates just sitting there and chilling like a normal guy and having fun discussing theories. What a man!

[m.a.]

I love how Neil is having an existential crisis and Chuck is just enjoying the simulation 😂😂😂

[rahulrajesh]

The 'Programmer' watching this and having a existential crisis

[AGjoinery]

Isn't there a chance that these simulations start at the beginning if time with very slight variations to see how differently life would develop? Meaning that it is very probable that we are in a simulation.

[lawlini]

"There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

There is another theory which states that this has already happened."

- Douglas Adams.

[exphurtfan]

In The Sims, the Sims can play a Sims game on their computer. It's already begun! 🤯

[kaseyboles]

The odds only go to 50/50 if each simulation only runs one simulation. If at ANY level they run more than one simulation the odds move in favor of us being in a simulation.

[WheelBite]

4:09 but that implies that all simulations have zero restrictions on them. Our simulation (if we are in one) could have parameters or restrictions placed on it stopping us from currently simulating more.

[stephenjohnson]

As someone who has witnessed many miracles and events and as an engineer and applying scientific/engineering thought to them, the only reasonable conclusion I can come to is that we are indeed living in a simulation. The events that I have experienced would be statistically so impossible that everyone who I tell my stories to conclude the same thing, either that or every action of us all is the work of some devine creator.